Board Update 3/11/2026
Superintendent Reports
Agenda Item 5.0
Monthly Updates – 5.01
The monthly Superintendent Report provided updates on initiatives, projects, and events happening across CCSD59. Highlights include:
- The 5Essentials Survey for students, staff, and families closes on March 13. Families are strongly encouraged to participate in their schools survey if they have not done so already.
- There is no school on Tuesday, March 17 for Institute Day. Thank you to all staff who have planned for professional development opportunities this day. We look forward to a great last institute day.
- On March 5, the district hosted a Family Education Night focused on attendance. If you missed the session, it’s available to view on our YouTube channel.
Action items
Agenda Item 7.0
2026-27 School Year Bus Pay Fee – 7.01
Each year, the Board of Education approves the pay bus fee for the upcoming school year. This fee applies to families whose students are not eligible for free transportation. The proposed pay bus fee for the 2026-27 school year is $525, which is the same as the current year.
The Board of Education approved the 2026-27 school year pay bus fee at $525.
Approval of Buddy Bench Donation to Ridge Family Center For Learning – 7.02
David Sears and the Prime Data Center Team donated $1,520.32 to Ridge Family Center for Learning to purchase a buddy bench. A buddy bench provides a simple way for a child to signal that they would like someone to play with. It will help build empathy and kindness among students.
The Board approved the donation of $1,520.32.
Approval of the Amendment to the Performance Based Superintendent – 7.03
The Board and Dr. Terri Bresnahan have mutually agreed to conclude her service as Superintendent of CCSD59 effective March 20, 2026, prior to the contractual end date of June 30, 2026. This decision allows the Board and District to accelerate leadership transition efforts with the incoming superintendent Dr. Brett Gallini.
The amendment reflects the change for Dr. Brett Gallini to officially begin his superintendency on March 21. He will be in office four (4) days a week, beginning March 30, while he and his family move to the area and get settled.
The Board approved the amendment.
Approval of Administrative Transitional Agreement – 7.04
The Administrative Transitional Agreement outlines transitional services Dr. Brett Gallini provided CCSD59 for selected days in advance of beginning his tenure as Superintendent on March 21st.
The Board approved the agreement.
Approval of Mutual Separation Agreement – 7.05
The Board and Dr. Terri Bresnahan have mutually agreed to conclude her service as Superintendent of CCSD59 effective March 20, 2026, prior to the contractual end date of June 30, 2026. This decision allows the Board and District to accelerate leadership transition efforts with the incoming superintendent Dr. Brett Gallini. It also provides Dr. Bresnahan an opportunity to begin her transition into her next district.
The Board approved the agreement.
Discussion Items
Agenda Item 8.0
Mass Communications Tool Recommendations – 8.01
As part of the district’s Strategic Communications Plan, CCSD59 will implement a new mass communication platform starting in the 2026-27 school year to improve and streamline communication. The Communications Department and a staff task force reviewed several options and recommended ParentSquare, a platform used by many districts nationwide and nearby.
The task force will meet again next week to plan a phased rollout, starting with district and school leaders and then expanding to staff to allow time for training. With this approach, Year 1 costs will be $15,225, which is lower than what the district spends on our current tools, SchoolMessenger and Smore.
Transportation Bid – 8.02
On February 17, 2026, the district opened transportation bids and received bids from three vendors: Durham School Services, First Student and Safeway Transportation. After a thorough review, Durham School Services is the lowest responsible bidder and has a strong track record, enough buses and drivers, and plans for a new terminal on Oakton Ave, near Friendship Junior High School to meet distance requirements.
Switching to Durham School Services will come with a higher cost. The new contract is estimated to be 18.77% more than the current one which exceeds our expected revenue growth by approximately 16%.
Staff Device Refresh – 8.03
As part of the long range Technology Financial Management Plan, staff computers will be refreshed at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Staff will receive a new MacBook Air. The cost per device is being finalized with Apple. CCSD59 currently has approximately 1,100 instructional staff, and an additional 55 total units will be purchased as spares. The total cost will be shared once the quote is finalized.
Similar to past refresh cycles, staff will have the option to buy their current MacBook Air for $200. After the first round of purchases, any remaining devices will be available for staff to buy until supplies run out.
